SBIR-STTR Award

The Quill Keyboard Replacement System
Award last edited on: 4/2/2014

Sponsored Program
SBIR
Awarding Agency
DOD : Navy
Total Award Amount
$228,231
Award Phase
2
Solicitation Topic Code
N86-094
Principal Investigator
Arthur G Crimmins

Company Information

A G Crimmans

1305 Fairbourne Court
Lansdale, PA 19446
   (215) 855-9184
   N/A
   N/A
Location: Single
Congr. District: 01
County: Montgomery

Phase I

Contract Number: N86-094
Start Date: 00/00/00    Completed: 00/00/00
Phase I year
1986
Phase I Amount
$49,895
The first project objective is to identify the productivity advantages of a new approach to the "keyboard" problem of typewriters and computers, and, most important, a computerized method of teaching this system. two handgrips with five finger actuated switches are used. thus, 1,024 (2(10) individual binary commands are available without the hand movements needed with standard keyboard systems while the operator retains positional control of the handgrips. productivity may be improved by a full order of magnitude. the second project objective is to define a system that will provide the operator of a vehicle or weapon system with over 1,000 separate commands directly from handgrips. a helicopter pilot could select electronic systems, radio channels and call up specific data displays without taking his hands off the controls. a primary objective common to both of the above is the definition of the training/-retraining program that must be investigated vis a vis the average user. these objectives will be achieved by construction and operation of a proof-of-concept model with two handgrips (incorporating movable "buttons" under the command of the teaching program) interface with a standard ibm personal computer with audio/visual support

Phase II

Contract Number: NAVY86-094
Start Date: 00/00/00    Completed: 00/00/00
Phase II year
1987
Phase II Amount
$178,336
QDIP utilizes the full range of tactile, audible and visual teaching systems to teach chordic commands in a ten key handgrip system to allow for rapid and instinctive data input for weapon control system. the phase ii effort will apply the qdip concept to the gun fire control system, mk 86 mods 3, 4, and 5 by providing a graphic computer display of the existing ep2 control console and allowing the operator to select the function or input data as required to operate the system through the handgrip key system of quip. a major goal of the phase ii program will be the training of selected individuals on the qdip system and evaluation of this training against the standard methods used for the selected fire control system. the quip system permits the training of individuals classified as functional illiterates and this premise will be tested by training as selected individual to operate the selected fire control system without the use of the written word; only tactile and audible commands will be used in this area of the training program.